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Blueprint for British Shipping will Boost Scottish Trade
16/12/1998
New proposals for shipping will help secure the long-term future of the industry and boost trade for Scotland, Transport Minister Calum MacDonald today.
British Shipping: Charting A New Course was published by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott today and outlines a 33-point strategy for boosting trade and securing environmental improvements.
Mr MacDonald said:
"The shipping industry is vital to Scotland because of our short sea coastal shipping and lifeline ferry services and although many shipping matters will be reserved after devolution, we obviously have a strong interest in this paper. In addition, there are also trading benefits to be gained from a revitalised shipping industry and it is important that Scotland shares in these.
"I am particularly pleased to see proposals for a partnership approach outlined in the paper whereby the industry, unions and Government will work together towards implementing the package of proposals. Scotland has traditionally made an important contribution to the shipping industry and I hope all involved can work together towards a sustainable future."
BACKGROUND
1. British Shipping: Charting A New Course sets out a 33-point strategy designed to:
- develop the UK's maritime skills;
- secure British seafaring employment;
- make the UK attractive to the shipping industry;
- improve safety at sea and safeguard the environment.
2. The report draws on the work of Shipping Working Group set up by the Deputy Prime Minister in 1997, which set out 32 inter-related actions to meet the key objectives referred to above.
3. The main issues considered in the paper relate to matters which will be reserved after devolution, but the Scottish Parliament will have responsibility for the arrangements for securing lifeline ferry services to island communities as served by CalMac and to the Northern Isles. It will retain an interest in how this sector of the economy helps secure employment and contributes to an integrated and environmentally sustainable transport policy in Scotland.
News Release: 2660/98
16 December, 1998